Pocket Wallet Holster and Printing

I don't know why ya'll send out emails reminding posters to come back and post and then lock threads not giving people a chance to respond.

By the logic in that other thread, my use of a Wallet Holster in rear pocket carry could be construed as illegal. I know it prints like a wallet, but could not a reasonable person discern it is really a gun when i pull my wallet out of my front pocket to pay.....

Harley- logic has little to do with it. IF the wallet holster will permit a gun to fire while still IN the holster (several were made for derringers, hole in side of wallet for trigger finger)then the BATFE- not me, not anyone else on the forum, has ruled that this is a disguised firearm, like a cane gun, is a NFA Class III, and must be registered with the Feds as an "Any Other Weapon"- or AOW. Penalty for possession of unregistered AOW is 10 yrs, Fed prison, fine of $250,000, etc. You can find the phone number for the ATF on page 1 of most phone books.

Harley- logic has little to do with it. IF the wallet holster will permit a gun to fire while still IN the holster (several were made for derringers, hole in side of wallet for trigger finger)then the BATFE- not me, not anyone else on the forum, has ruled that this is a disguised firearm, like a cane gun, is a NFA Class III, and must be registered with the Feds as an "Any Other Weapon"- or AOW. Penalty for possession of unregistered AOW is 10 yrs, Fed prison, fine of $250,000, etc. You can find the phone number for the ATF on page 1 of most phone books.

Yeah i should have stated my holster prints like a wallet because it has a square flap of leather the size of a wallet attached to it, not that it is a "wallet holster" capable of firing while holstered.

That may be. Here is a copy of the original issue- that the firearm could be fired while DISGUISED inside the wallet:
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
Washington, DC 20226

E:CE:F:TE:RLB
3311

MAR 13 1996

Dear :

This is in response to your letter of recent date to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). In your letter, you request information regarding the legality of several wallet type holsters which you submitted of our examination.

As defined in 26 U.S.C. section 5845(e) of the National Firearms Act (NFA), the term "any other weapon" includes certain weapons capable of being concealed on the person. It is unlawful to make, possess or transfer such weapons which are not registered in accordance with NFA controls. Further, a maker of such firearms who has not paid the appropriate special (occupational) tax is liable for $200 making tax for each weapon produced and $5 for each weapon transferred.

ATF has previously determined that firearms installed in various types of wallets, briefcases, canes, etc. may be NFA firearms as defined. The submitted samples are rectangular leather cases,
which measure approximately 5 1/2 inches in length and 2 3/4 inches in height. They are designed to hold an American Derringer firearm
(Model DA 38) in a fixed position with openings in the leather so that the derringer can be operated and fired while it is in the case. When the derringer is installed in the case, the weapon has
the exterior appearance to other "wallet guns" which have previously been determined to be NFA firearms.

ATF has previously determined that an American Derringer, Model DA 38, in and of itself, is a firearm subject to the provisions of the GCA and is not a firearm subject to the NFA controls. The leather
wallet by itself is not subject to control as a firearm. However, we have also determined that any person who might possess such a derringer in combination with the wallet holster would be in
possession of a firearm subject to the purview of the NFA.

Any person who possess the combination would be in possession of a firearm as defined in 26 U.S.C. section 5845(a)(5) of the NFA. Such firearm is subject to the tax imposed under section 5821, and
the making provisions of section 5822 of the act.

Should the wallet holsters, as provided, be sold or transferred separately from the derringers, we strongly recommend that you advise customers regarding the status of these items.

If you would like to submit a redesigned or modified holster that you believe would not be subject to the NFA when held in combination with an American Derringer firearm, we will be happy to
examine it and provide you with the results. We would suggest that the redesigned sample no longer resemble a wallet and the modification should include cutting the top rear of the wallet,
thereby exposing the entire back strap and trigger guard area of the inserted derringer. The cuts should follow the exact contour of the frame of the pistol and not overlap to risk a disguised appearance.

The samples which you submitted for our examination are being returned to you under separate cover.

We trust the foregoing has been responsive to your inquiry. If you have further questions concerning this matter, please contact us.